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| In a Tanzania classroom a boy who is deafblind learns sign language. |
Worldwide there are approximately 150 million children with disabilities. Many of these children are denied access to education based solely upon having a disability.
According to the 2011 World Report on Disability children with sensory disabilities, such as blindness, deafblindness, and blindness with additional disabilities, are even less likely to access education than children with physical and other types of disabilities. The disparity increases in poorer countries and is often exacerbated by negative cultural attitudes.
Perkins collaborates with partners around the world expanding educational opportunities for these children and helping them acquire the skills they will need to thrive in their communities.
Click on the approaches below to learn more about our work in education:
Program model development in early intervention, education, and transition to adult life
Perkins helps national and regional governments establish appropriate models for educating all students from birth through adulthood.
Advanced training through the Educational Leadership Program
Each year, approximately 12-14 teachers from around the world live on the Perkins campus and receive full scholarship to participate in a nine month intensive master’s level program combining classroom study at Perkins and Boston College with practical training in a Perkins classroom. Graduates return home to serve as recognized experts in multiple disability education and train other teachers in cutting edge best practices.
Development of university training programs
Perkins works around the world developing and refining local university curricula so that schools can better prepare teachers and other educators to instruct children who are blind or blind with additional disabilities.
Braille literacy training and promotion
Perkins trains others to teach braille to learners who are blind. Perkins also helps educate governments on the importance of investing in braille literacy education.
